The aroma of warm, baked apples wafts through the kitchen, mingling with hints of vanilla and cream cheese, creating a cozy atmosphere. These cheesecake stuffed baked apples are the ultimate dessert that will make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Imagine sinking your spoon into a soft, caramelized apple filled with creamy cheesecake goodness. It’s like a hug in dessert form, perfect for family gatherings or chilly autumn nights when you need something sweet to lift your spirits.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cheesecake stuffed baked apples are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute dessert plans
- Each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors that balances tartness and sweetness beautifully
- They’re visually stunning, transforming an ordinary apple into an extraordinary treat
- Versatile enough for any occasion, these apples can be served warm or cold, with ice cream or whipped cream
Every time I serve these delightful baked apples, my friends and family can’t help but rave about them. They always ask for seconds—and sometimes thirds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Large Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
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Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth filling; it blends beautifully with sugar and spices.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener is essential for balancing the tartness of the apples and enhancing the filling’s flavor.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract adds depth to your cheesecake filling; avoid imitation for best results.
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Cinnamon: This warm spice complements the baked apples perfectly, adding a hint of warmth that makes everything feel cozy.
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Brown Sugar: Sprinkle this on top before baking for a delicious caramelization effect that enhances sweetness.
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Chopped Nuts (optional): Walnuts or pecans add crunch; toast them lightly for extra flavor if you choose to include them.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s like warming up the stage for our star attraction—the cheesecake stuffed baked apples.
Prepare the apples: Core each apple carefully using a melon baller or paring knife. Make sure not to slice through the bottom—this is where all the good stuff will go.
Mix the filling: In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and inviting—like a warm hug waiting inside those apples.
Stuff those apples: Generously fill each cored apple with your creamy cheesecake mixture. Don’t be shy; let that filling overflow just a bit because we want every bite to be deliciously indulgent.
Sprinkle toppings: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar on top of each filled apple. This step ensures they bake up golden brown while creating an irresistible caramelized crust.
Bake away: Place your stuffed apples in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they’re tender but still hold their shape—when you can smell that sweet aroma, you know they’re ready!
Serve and enjoy: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. I love pairing these with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream; it takes this dessert to another level of indulgence!
These cheesecake stuffed baked apples are not only simple but also deliver an impressive presentation that will wow your guests! Enjoy every delicious bite as you create new memories around the dinner table!
Content
Tip 1: Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture. Soft apples turn mushy during baking, losing that delightful crunch.
Tip 2: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy cheesecake filling. Low-fat options can lead to a less satisfying texture and flavor.
Tip 3: Don’t forget the spices! A sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg elevates the flavors, adding warmth and depth to your baked apples.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by coring the apples while preheating your oven to 350°F. Prepare the cheesecake filling next, then stuff the apples before baking them for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the cream cheese with mascarpone for a unique twist. Add chocolate chips or nuts into the filling for an extra crunch and flavor boost!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds, ensuring they stay warm and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples, make sure to avoid overstuffing them
- This prevents spillage during baking
- Also, allow your apples to cool slightly before serving so nobody burns their mouth!
- The combination of flavors is truly delightful
Creating these cheesecake stuffed baked apples took me back to my childhood kitchen, where I learned that cooking should always be fun and filled with laughter.
FAQ
Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears or peaches can also work beautifully with cheesecake filling for this recipe.
How do I prevent my apples from turning brown?
A quick soak in lemon juice keeps your apple slices fresh during preparation.
What can I serve with these baked apples?
Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the warm and inviting flavors of cheesecake stuffed baked apples. This delightful dessert combines tender, caramelized apples with a creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar for an irresistible treat. Perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy family dinners, these baked apples are sure to impress and bring smiles to the table. Enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or as a sweet ending to any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core each apple without slicing through the bottom.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stuff each apple generously with the cheesecake mixture.
- Sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar on top of the filled apples.
- Place apples in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving; pair with vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 baked apple (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 126mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 33mg
